Don'ts for office meetings

June 11, 2014 6:00 AM

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Don’t arrive late

Arriving late tells your co-workers you are disorganized and that you can’t manage your time. It also forces the meeting leader to start over to catch you up. If traveling to another floor, building, or even city, give yourself ample commuting time. Tardiness of any length is annoying to others and can affect future opportunities with the company. less

Don’t arrive late

Arriving late tells your co-workers you are disorganized and that you can’t manage your time. It also forces the meeting leader to start over to catch you up. If traveling to another

One of the most distracting behaviors to fellow colleagues is taking a phone call during a meeting. By answering the phone, you are showing your co-workers that your call is more important than they are. Even if it’s a major client ringing, it’s best to excuse yourself quietly and wait to pick up the call until you have stepped outside. less

Don’t take phone calls

One of the most distracting behaviors to fellow colleagues is taking a phone call during a meeting. By answering the phone, you are showing your co-workers that your call is more

Don’t take phone calls
One of the most distracting behaviors... Photo-6434002.87625 - Beaumont Enterprise

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Don’t check your phone for messages

Checking for text messages or emails may seem harmless, yet it’s still keeping your attention away from the meeting. Not to mention, it’s probably also distracting to the people around you. Put your phone on vibrate or better yet, turn it off. Even if the context of the meeting does not relate directly to your job duties, it’s more important to pay attention and be a part of the team. less

Don’t check your phone for messages

Checking for text messages or emails may seem harmless, yet it’s still keeping your attention away from the meeting. Not to mention, it’s probably also distracting to

An idea may pop in your head or you may want to ask a colleague a question about a different topic. No matter what it may be, engaging others in side conversations is off-putting to everyone else — especially to the meeting leader. If an urgent thought comes to mind, write it down and follow up with your co-worker at a later time. less

Don’t engage in side conversations

An idea may pop in your head or you may want to ask a colleague a question about a different topic. No matter what it may be, engaging others in side conversations is

Don’t engage in side conversations
An idea may pop in your... Photo-6434004.87625 - Beaumont Enterprise

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Don’t interrupt others

Even if you feel that your input could enhance the dialogue, always wait until the person has stopped speaking. No one likes to be interrupted and colleagues will show you more respect if you wait your turn. less

Don’t interrupt others

Even if you feel that your input could enhance the dialogue, always wait until the person has stopped speaking. No one likes to be interrupted and colleagues will show you more respect

Having someone sitting in a meeting without a means to take notes is often distracting to others and perceived as unprofessional. Even if it’s just a speedy check in, you will find that information that requires a follow up is still shared and not having any means to record it tells others you are unprepared. Make it a habit to always bring a notepad or laptop to meetings — no matter how short you think they will be. less

Don’t forget to take notes

Having someone sitting in a meeting without a means to take notes is often distracting to others and perceived as unprofessional. Even if it’s just a speedy check in, you will

Don’t forget to take notes
Having someone sitting in a meeting... Photo-6434006.87625 - Beaumont Enterprise

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Don’t leave early

By leaving early, you are sending the message that you are either disinterested in the meeting or, even worse, that you don’t care. If you know ahead of time that you have to take off, let the meeting leader and everyone else present know of your departure plans. less

Don’t leave early

By leaving early, you are sending the message that you are either disinterested in the meeting or, even worse, that you don’t care. If you know ahead of time that you have to take off, let